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Last Name Cuquejo

What is the origin of the last name Cuquejo?

The last name "Cuquejo" appears to have Spanish origins. It is derived from a geographical location or topographic feature, such as a small hill or a rocky outcrop, in the Iberian Peninsula, where Spain and Portugal are located. Surnames like Cuquejo were often associated with the physical characteristics of the landscape where an individual's ancestors lived or worked. Over time, the spelling of surnames has evolved due to various factors, such as regional dialects and migrations, which may have led to slight variations in the name's current form. However, precise historical records about the specific origin of the Cuquejo surname are not readily available.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cuquejo

The meaning and origin of the last name Cuquejo

The surname Cuquejo is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Castilian region in Spain. It is derived from the word "cuco," which is a regional term for a type of cork oak tree (Quercus suber), or more colloquially, a person who gathers cork from these trees. The name could have been given to someone who worked with cork trees in some capacity, such as a cork harvester or a cork-making artisan. Over time, the surname Cuquejo has spread across Spain and other Spanish-speaking regions, being most concentrated in Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Andalusia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cuquejo

The surname Cuquejo has its origins primarily in the Spanish-speaking regions of South America, particularly Peru and Colombia, where it is relatively common. In Peru, it can be found prominently in the coastal regions, notably in the departments of Lima, Callao, and Ica, as well as in certain parts of the highlands. In Colombia, Cuquejo is concentrated mainly in the northwestern department of Antioquia, with smaller numbers appearing in other departments such as Cundinamarca and Valle del Cauca. While the majority of Cuquejo-bearers reside in these two countries, instances of the surname have been found in other Spanish-speaking regions, including Spain and Cuba, due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cuquejo

The surname Cuquejo has several variations and spellings. Some common variations include: Cuquijo, Cucujeo, Cukejo, Cuqueyjo, and Cukiejo. These variations may be found in different regions or countries, indicating potential changes in spelling over time due to linguistic evolution, regional dialects, or transcription errors. In some cases, the name may also be spelled with accents, such as Cuquejo (accented "u" and "o"), depending on the country or language. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can often have historical and cultural significance, and it is always recommended to research the origins and history of a name when possible.

Famous people with the last name Cuquejo

The Cuquejo surname is primarily found in Spain and Portugal. Among the notable figures with this last name are: 1. José Cuquejo (born 1963), a Spanish football coach and former player, who spent most of his career playing for Real Madrid. 2. Fernando Cuquejo (1852-1904), a Portuguese writer, journalist, and lawyer known for his works on the history and literature of Portugal. 3. José Manuel Cuquejo (born 1976), a Spanish football coach who played as a defender. He spent most of his playing career with Real Madrid's B-team. 4. Francisco de Cuquejo y Ulloa (1620-1686), a Spanish painter who was active in the Baroque period, known for his religious works and collaborations with other notable artists of the time. 5. Carlos Cuquejo (born 1983), a Spanish professional basketball player who has played for multiple teams in Spain's ACB league and the Euroleague. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, literature, journalism, art, and law, demonstrating the versatility and achievements of people bearing the Cuquejo surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cuquejo

The surname Cuquejo is primarily found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Castile-Leon. The origins of this name can be traced back to medieval times, with documented records from the 12th century. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Pedro Martinez Cuquejo, who lived during the reign of King Alfonso VIII of Castile (1158-1214). Over the centuries, various branches of the Cuquejo family emerged, such as the Cuquejo de Villarreal, Cuquejo de Burgos, and Cuquejo de Lugo. Notable individuals with this surname include Fray Francisco Cuquejo (a 16th-century Dominican friar), and Don Juan Cuquejo (a Spanish naval officer in the late 1700s). The Cuquejo family is known for their contributions to various fields, including military service, politics, and religion. Today, descendants of this family can be found worldwide, having migrated from Spain during different periods of history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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